Strengthening Tuberculosis Control Among Migrant Workers

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease accounting for a significant number of deaths due to the infectious nature of the disease on the global platform. Migrant workers need special attention as these population groups live in substandard and crowded environmental conditions with poor ventilation, which play a crucial role in augmenting the risk of acquisition of infection. The global vision to ensure the delivery of effective TB control-related services for migrant workers has been influenced by a wide range of barriers. This issue is further complicated by the limited knowledge of migrant workers about tuberculosis, their rights, the kind of services available in healthcare facilities, and the ways to prevent the acquisition and transmission of infectious disease. By acknowledging the role of predisposing factors and the potential barriers that impact accessing timely healthcare services, it can be seen that the need of the hour is to plan and implement a comprehensive package of services for the benefit of migrant workers.

Keywords: health; migrant; screening; stigma; tuberculosis.